Laudable living in Whatcom County is largely due to the magnificent beauty of Bellingham Bay and Mount Baker; however, once the rainy season sets in, living in Whatcom County may become a nightmare. In an area with more than 150 days of precipitation during a year, your roof does not just keep your house safe, your roof is essentially the first line of defense for your home against the continuous moisture from the Pacific Northwest.

As a homeowner, the important question is not only whether you need a roofing contractor, but also how often do you require a roofing contractor. After fifteen years of covering the residential construction industry, this article will provide you with the professional guide to scheduling your roof replacement needs in the home improvement capital of the world – Bellingham, Washington.

1. Have Your Roof Inspected Every Year

At least once per calendar year, have a certified Bellingham roofing contractor perform an inspection of your roof. Because of Bellingham’s weather (heavy rains, moisture-laden air, and occasional windstorms), there can be gradual deterioration of roofing materials on their roofs. Although the roof may appear sound from the ground, hidden problems, such as leaks, mold growth and loose shingles may develop and worsen as time passes.

By having your roof inspected on a yearly basis, you will be able to identify any of these latent problems before they lead to expensive repairs.

2. After Extreme Weather Events

In addition to typical evaluations, if there have been any intense weather occurrences (heavy rainfall, very windy conditions, etc.), having a Bellingham roofing contractor inspect your roofing system after the occurrence is also a good idea. Roofing can be impacted by weather from heavy storms with high winds, long periods of rain or flooding, and inspection will reveal whether or not these occurrences have negatively impacted your roofing. It may not be obvious to you if there was damage done; however, your Bellingham roofing contractor will be able to inform you if there is any type of structural issue.

3. Every 3–5 Years Should Include a Thorough Servicing

When it comes to regular maintenance of your roofing system, the scope of work done goes far beyond a simple inspection. Roofing systems should also be serviced every time an inspection occurs, i.e., every 3 to 5 years should also include services to thoroughly clean moss/algae off of your roof, reseal flashings, and replace aging shingles as necessary. It is important to pay particular attention to the condition of your roofing material in the Bellingham area, since roofing can be severely affected by moisture accumulation, which is a primary factor in the formation and growth of moss on roofs.

4. The Relationship Between Age of Roof and When You Need Professional Assistance

When determining how often you’ll require the services of a roofing professional, the age of your roof is a significant factor. Generally, newer roofs (i.e. less than ten years old) will only need to be inspected once a year, and typically, maintenance will be performed on an as-needed basis for the first ten years of the life of your roof.

For roofs that are greater than fifteen to twenty years old, you will want to hire a roofing contractor for service and inspection at least two times per year. Aging roofs usually develop a higher probability of leaks, structural deficiencies, and issues with insulation with time, which all require more frequent inspection and maintenance.

5. Make Sure You Pay Attention To These Signs

Your roof will often tell you when there is a problem that needs to be addressed and when to call a roofing professional. Some warning signs to watch out for include: water stains on ceilings, sagging areas of the roof, missing roofing shingles, and a noticeable increase in the cost of energy.

It is important to deal with any and all of these signs as soon as possible because they can lead to more extensive damage as well as structural issues within the home.

In conclusion, annually hiring a roofing professional in the Bellingham area for inspections will keep your roof in good shape. Have the roofing professional do maintenance on the roof every few years. If there has been a severe storm or high winds, it would also be beneficial to contact your roofer immediately after the storm to inspect the roof.

The key is to treat roof maintenance as a preventative measure rather than an emergency fix. By having a consistent schedule with your Bellingham roofing contractor, you will ensure that your house is safe, dry and secure all year long.